Valaya
 | |
| Titles | Goddess of Home and Healing |
| Status | Active |
| Type | Ancestor God[1a] |
| Domains | Hearth Healing Brewing |
| Relatives | Grimnir (brother-husband)[1a] Grungni (brother-husband)[1a] Gazul (brother) Morgrim (son) Smednir (son) Thungni(son) Skavor (nephew) |
| Affiliation | Dwarfs[1a] |
| Followers | Valkyrinn[2] |
| Symbols | Shield with the Rune for Ancestor Queen Hearth Sheaf of hops. |
Valaya is a major Ancestor Goddess of the Dwarves. [1a]
The wife of both Grungni and Grimnir and founder of most of the Dwarf holds including both Karak Eight Peaks and Karaz-a-Karak. She is also credited with creation of the Dwarf language and much of its culture. When Grungni warned of the coming of Chaos she devised a protective Rune to shield the dwarves from hostile magic. [1a]
Appearance
A dwarven woman in chainmail over a purple gown, her hair long but braided reaching down to her feet. She carries the Rune-axe Kradskonti (Peacegiver).[1a]
Cult
Dwarves in the Old World and Norsca worship her and all holds have a temple to her, usually near the Queen's quarters and the largest of these temples is in Karaz-a-Karak. Her altars have a pair of statues flanking them - the one on the right in full armour with her shield and axe raised, the one on the left unarmoured with a baby on one arm and a tankard of ale in her other hand. All homes and breweries have a shrine to the goddess.[1a]
The cult is on friendly terms with those of the other Ancestor Gods as well as the cults of the Old Faith, Sigmar and Rhya and is suspicious of the Elf gods and hostile towards enemies of the Dwarf race. Priests wear purple robes and have a round medallion with cult runes inscribed. Any adult dwarf may enter the priesthood, but healers and brewers are especially welcomed.[1a]
The two main holy days are the spring and autumn equinox relating to planting and harvesting of the crops for the brewing process.[1a]
History
She was able to draw the Winds of Magic into talismans and standards to provide enchantments and protective runes. those who learnt the secrets of Runes from Valaya and the other ancestors became the first Runesmiths. [3a]
Strictures
- Always provide aid to a sick or wounded Dwarf. [1a]
- Always lend assistance to a Dwarf-friend in need. [1a]
- Always attend to the needs of the young. [1a]
- Always protect other dwarfs from harm. [1a]
- Never allow dwarf ale to be taken by enemies, unless it would save Dwarf lives. [1a]
- Never sell or knowingly distribute spoiled ale. [1a]
Valkyrinn
The templars of the faith, these warrior women wear steel and silver winged helms inlaid with mother of pearl, lacquered metal chest plates and purple sashes. In honour of the goddess they wield battleaxes. [2]
See also
Sources
- 1: Dwarfs: Stone and Steel
- 1a: Dwarf Religion, pg. 71
- 2: Warhammer Chronicles: Warlords of Karak Eight Peaks: Thorgrim (novella), pg. 713-714
- 3: White Dwarf 314 (UK)
- 3a: Secrets of the Runes, pg. 64
